Positive Factors of In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the modern developments in fertility treatments that may allow couples who would otherwise be infertile to have children of their own. It is used primarily either when there is a very low chance of fertilization occurring naturally because of faults with the sperm or the eggs, or because the woman's fallopian tubes are blocked. Like all medical procedures, it carries some risks with it, but it also has some distinct advantages.

Tried and Tested

• IVF has been used since 1978, so it has been well tested and observed. Doctors know what is normal and what is not and are able to educate you thoroughly on both its risks and benefits. Most children conceived in this way are healthy, although there is a small increase in the likelihood of long-term health problems. It is also works with women who are ineligible for other types of fertility treatments, such as those who have damaged fallopian tubes.

Success Rate

• As compared with other fertility treatments, IVF has a very high success rate. Exact rates vary according to the clinic and to the age of the mother, but it can be as high as 35 percent. It is considered the most dependable means of attempting pregnancy for couples who have encountered significant difficulties. This also means it can prove to be the most cost-effective approach as well.

Donor Eggs or Sperm

• IVF is a procedure that allows you to circumvent even the difficulty of complete sterility on one parent's side. If you have concerns about genetics, for instance, and one of you is carrying the gene for a particularly devastating physical condition, then you may have a solution. Donor eggs and sperm are widely available for use in IVF procedures. A woman can carry a baby that is not genetically hers or is not genetically her husband's, but will still be their child in every other way that matters.

Multiple Births

• You may view this possibility as either a positive or negative, but many couples who have been trying for years to have a baby would welcome the prospect of twins or triplets. Ten to 25 percent of women who have IVF done have twins, which is much higher than in the general population. On the other hand, multiple births are more controllable than with some other types of fertility treatment, since you can decide how many embryos to have transferred at one time. The more embryos, the higher the chances that one of them will implant, but your chances that two or all of them will implant are also higher.